We would like to share an important update regarding youth soccer age group registration.

AC Marin Soccer Club is committed to providing a player-centered, development-driven environment while competing at the highest appropriate levels locally, regionally, and nationally.

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, U.S. Soccer–affiliated organizations will return to a seasonal-year age group model (August 1 – July 31).

While AC Marin fully aligns with this national framework, player development does not follow a rigid formula. Therefore, AC Marin will apply a hybrid, case-by-case approach that integrates age-group alignment with our Play Up Policy to best serve each individual player.

Guiding Principles

All age-group placement and play-up decisions will be guided by:

• The best long-term developmental interest of the player
• The competitive integrity of teams
• The overall health and sustainability of the club
• Alignment with U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer, and league regulations

Age Group Alignment Philosophy

While birthdate alignment provides structure, chronological age alone does not determine readiness. AC Marin recognizes differences in:

• Physical maturation
• Emotional and social development
• Cognitive understanding of the game
• Technical and tactical ability

As a result:

• Not all players will automatically move age groups solely based on birthdate
• Some players may remain, play up, or train across age groups
• Decisions will be reviewed player by player, not team by team

Play Up Opportunities

“Playing up” is a privilege, not a right, and is earned through demonstrated ability, commitment, and maturity. These opportunities are initiated only by coaches and/or the Director of Coaching, not by families.

Play-up opportunities may include:

1. Practicing Up – A player may train with an older age group in addition to, not in place of, their primary team training.
2. Guest Playing Up – A player may be invited to guest play with an older team for:
   • Individual matches
   • Tournaments
   • Specific competitive needs

Rostering Up

A player may be officially rostered to an older age group team while still being available to serve their age-pure team when needed for developmentally significant events.

Evaluation & Decision-Making Process

All play-up and age-placement decisions are reviewed by the AC Marin Play Up Committee, which consists of:

• Club President
• Director of Coaching
• Club-appointed coach or league representative(Team coaches involved may submit evaluations but do not make final decisions.)

Key Policy Points

• All decisions are individualized and case-by-case
• Play-up status may be modified or revoked at any time
• Decisions are final and not subject to appeal
• The rationale for decisions will not be disclosed

Criteria for Evaluating Play-Up Candidates

Players must demonstrate exceptional readiness relative to the older age group, not simply dominance within their current team.

Evaluation Criteria

• Technical: Advanced ball control, execution under pressure, and game impact
• Tactical: Understanding of team principles of play, positioning, spacing, off-ball movement, decision-making, and adaptation to higher speed and complexity
• Physical: Strength, speed, endurance, and ability to compete safely with older players
• Cognitive & Psychological: Game awareness, anticipation, focus, emotional control, resilience, and confidence
• Social & Emotional: Maturity, communication, leadership behaviors, respect, and ability to integrate into an older group
• Commitment & Professionalism: Attendance, work ethic, attitude, recovery habits, and responsibility toward increased demands

Hybrid Approach Under the Seasonal-Year Model

• Some top players may remain in an older group
• Some players may train or compete across age lines
• Some players may temporarily return to age-pure groups for confidence, minutes, or leadership development.This flexibility is intentional and not a demotion.

It is a strategic tool to:

• Protect development
• Maximize learning opportunities
• Avoid skipping critical developmental steps

Club & Team Considerations

When necessary to maintain:

• Competitive team formation
• League requirements
• Club-wide development balance

The Play Up Committee and Technical Leadership may initiate evaluations in the best interest of the club, while still prioritizing the player.

Requesting Consideration

Families and coaches interested in a play-up evaluation must:

1. Submit a written request to the Director of Coaching
2. Include relevant player information (experience, evaluations, physical data, etc.)
3. Understand that submission does not guarantee approval

AC Marin Soccer Club is committed to:

• Long-term player development over short-term results
• Transparent, thoughtful decision-making
• Providing the right environment for each player at the right time

This policy ensures we remain U.S. Soccer compliant, developmentally responsible, and competitive at the highest appropriate levels.

 

Parent FAQ

What is changing?

For the 2026–27 season, youth soccer in the United States will return to a seasonal-year age group model,
running from August 1 to July 31, instead of the current calendar-year model (January 1 – December 31).

This change applies across competitions sanctioned by U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO.

Why is this change happening?

National governing bodies determined that a seasonal-year model:

• Better aligns players with their school-grade peers
• Supports social, emotional, and physical development
• Encourages long-term participation
• Reflects extensive feedback, data analysis, and expert input

Who does this affect?

All competitive players will be affected in some way. Because this is a system-wide change, some players may:

• Shift into a different age group
• Experience new team compositions
• Train or compete with slightly different peer groups

What competitions does this apply to?

This applies to all US Youth Soccer– and US Club Soccer–sanctioned leagues and events, including:

• ECNL & ECNL-RL
• NPL & National League
• State leagues, cups, and championships

Does my child automatically move age groups because of birthdate?

No. While AC Marin aligns with the national seasonal-year model, players are evaluated individually.
Birthdate is one factor, but not the only one.

How is AC Marin handling this change?

At AC Marin Soccer Club, we support national alignment while keeping player development at the center of
every decision.

Our approach is:

• Aligned with U.S. Soccer regulations
• Individualized and flexible
• Development-first, not results-driven

What does “hybrid, case-by-case” mean?

Rather than applying age group changes rigidly, AC Marin may:

• Keep a player in their current age group
• Allow a player to train or play up
• Temporarily move a player between environments

Each decision is based on:

• Physical and biological development
• Emotional and social readiness
• Technical and tactical needs
• Long-term development pathway
• The training environment best suited for growth

This means not every player will automatically move based solely on birthdate.

Is playing up guaranteed for top players?

No. Playing up is a privilege, not a right. It is earned through:

• Consistent performance
• Maturity and emotional readiness
• Commitment and work ethic
• Ability to compete effectively in an older environment

Playing up is never promised and may be adjusted at any time based on developmental needs.

Can parents request a play-up?

Parents may request an evaluation, but:

• Play-up opportunities are initiated by coaches and/or the Director of Coaching
• A request does not guarantee approval
• All decisions are made by AC Marin’s Play-Up Committee
• Decisions are final and not subject to appeal

Is playing down a demotion?

No. In some cases, returning to an age-pure group:

• Builds confidence
• Maximizes meaningful playing time
• Supports leadership development

This is a developmental strategy, not a punishment.

Will placements change during the season?

Yes. Player development is dynamic. AC Marin re-evaluates players continuously and may adjust placements
if it benefits the player’s long-term growth.

How are evaluations conducted?

AC Marin’s technical leadership and coaching staff will:

1. Review rosters and birthdates
2. Observe players in training and matches
3. Communicate with families when appropriate
4. Make informed, development-driven decisions

What should families expect at tryouts (2026–27)?

AC Marin aligns with U.S. Soccer’s seasonal-year age group model beginning in 2026–27.
However, player placement is not determined solely by birthdate.

Players are evaluated individually based on:

• Technical ability
• Physical development
• Game understanding
• Emotional readiness
• Long-term developmental needs

AC Marin may use a hybrid approach, including age-pure placement, training across age groups,
guest play, or roster flexibility, to ensure the most appropriate environment for each player.

What is AC Marin’s priority?

Our priority is simple and consistent:
The right environment, at the right time, for all players.

Our Commitment

AC Marin Soccer Club remains committed to:

• Player-centered development
• Age-appropriate training environments
• Supporting every player’s journey, regardless of pathway or level

We appreciate your trust as we guide our players through this transition and continue to help them grow,
develop, and thrive.